Recent Podcasts
Episode 28: Carla Vaught
In this episode, Ashley and Jeri sit down with former Polk County Extension Agent Carla Vaught. Carla was dedicated to her job, as well as her dedication to the equestrian arts. They talk about 4H, the inner-workings of the extension office, taking trips with children, and working with horses. The Ouachita Chronicles is brought to...
Episode 27: Seth Smith
In this episode, Ashley and Jeri sit down with Mena Mayor Seth Smith. Seth is not only our current mayor, but also a former police officer, veteran, and grave digger. They talk about Seth’s time in the military, getting grants, the future of Mena and more. The Ouachita Chronicles is brought to you by Don’s...
Episode 26: John Maddox
In this episode, Ashley and Jeri sit down with attorney and Arkansas State Representative John Maddox. As a Mena native, Maddox is dedicated to our community. They talk about growing up in Mena, his political roots, taxation, the American public education system, and what led John from being an attorney to being a politician. The...
Episode 25: Blaine Bailey
In this episode, Ashley and Jeri sit down (virtually) with Mena native Blain Bailey. An expert chef, Blaine has seen the lifestyle that often comes with the career and has experienced the negative effects firsthand. Because of this, he started In The Weeds, a non-profit geared towards chefs and people working in the restaurant industry....
Episode 24: Polk County Sheriff Scott Sawyer
In this episode, Ashley and Jeri celebrate police officer appreciation week and sit down with Polk County Sheriff Scott Sawyer. Scott grew up with the dream that many children have- to be a police officer. As an adult, he was first an officer in Grannis before being elected as Sheriff in 2017. They talk about...
Episode 23: Keena Part 2
In this episode, we pick up where last episode left off with Keena Ashcraft. Keena talks about her recovery, meeting her wife, her work as a firefighter, being involved with CASA, and the future of her non-profit. The Ouachita Chronicles is brought to you by Don’s EZ Pay!
Episode 22: Keena Ashcraft
In this episode, Ashley and Jeri Sit down with Keena Ashcraft. Keena relives and recounts her incredible struggle with addiction. Starting from a young age, through the years she fought not only addiction, but also the things that come along with it like mental health, struggling to hold healthy relationships, instability etc. In part one...
Episode 21: Lost Among Locals
In this episode, Ashley (and an absent Jeri) sit down with travel bloggers, Ryan and Abby Davis, better known as Lost Among Locals! They talk about travel hacking, travel essentials, what led them to traveling full time and share stories from their crazy adventures. The Ouachita Chronicles is brought to you by Don’s EZ Pay...
Episode 20: Special- Justin Richmond
In this episode, Ashley and Jeri sit down and talk with “famous” playwright and Pulse Multimedia receptionist extraordinaire, Justin Richmond. Now a multi award-winning playwright and at the young age of 19, Justin talks about his inspiration, his writing process, his experience working in the Pulse Multimedia circus and much more! The Ouachita Chronicles is...
Episode 19: Ashley and Jeri’s Excellent Adventure!
In this episode, Ashley and Jeri sit down with… nobody! For our 19th episode, they (along with some input from Producer Trey) recap the past episodes, from Jodi to Cynthia! They also give the rundown on all the Pulse Multimedia staff that make this project what it is. So, now this begs these questions- will...
Episode 18: Cynthia Martin
In this episode, Ashley and Jeri sit down with Cynthia Martin, director of CASA of the Ouachitas. CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, is a volunteer organization that represents and advocates for abused and neglected children. Cynthia talks about the organization and the process of becoming a CASA volunteer, as well as their...
Episode 17: Derek Miller
In this episode, Ashley does a solo interview with Derek Miller. Miller is a fitness expert, personal trainer, record-holding power-lifter and the owner of the first kettlebell gym in Arkansas. Derek shares his story from when he was a young boy dealing with his parent’s divorce and taking an interest in fitness, to highschool hijinks...
Everyday people often have remarkable stories that go untold. The Ouachita Chronicles uncovers those interesting tales and talents. Join Ashley and Jeri as they learn the story behind the people who live in or originate from the Ouachita Mountains region and get to know their amazing stories and personalities.
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